How to Bend a Pipe Into Various Shapes
You can hand-form metal pipe into various shapes using purpose-made wooden or metal jigs. Most people are strong enough to bend pipes of up to one inch in diameter by hand without using heat. If necessary, more than one person can apply pressure to the pipe and cold-bend a pipe up to two inches in diameter. To bend larger metal pipes, you need to apply heat at the bend points. You can also bend PVC pipe using this method by treating the pipe with boiling water at the bend points.
- Table
- MDF
- Bolts
- Vice or C-clamp
- 1-inch metal pipe
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Instructions
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1
Ensure the table you are working on is well braced and anchored to the floor with steel anchors. Cut one-inch medium density fiberboard, also known as MDF into the shape of angle necessary with the other side flat. Using a router will ensure smooth sides.
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2
Bolt the jig to the table at one end with the flat side against the table. Use at least 1/2-inch steel bolts.
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3
Place the pipe across the top of the jig, and use a C-clamp or vice to secure the pipe at the opposite end of the table.
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4
Use your body weight to press down on the end of the pipe and to form it around the jig.